Fort Lindsay

Fort Lindsay was the northernmost military post established to carry out Cherokee Removal. It thus represents the northeastern edge of the geographic area affected by Removal. North Carolina militia built the post in late 1837, and it served as a gathering point for Cherokees taken from scattered small communities in the surrounding area. Soldiers had a very difficult time finding Cherokee fugitives in the rough terrain and dense forests of this area. Many residents of the nearby Nantahala community successfully eluded capture.

Sketch of camp life from the diary of Lt. John Phelps, who participated in the gathering of Cherokees in North Carolina for Removal.